West Ham and Brazil Lucas Paqueta has been released from allegations of violating the gambling rules of the FA and Hamersbaas Graham Potter has broken his silence about the future of the midfielder
West Ham -Baas Graham Potter believes that Lucas Paqueta is committed to the hammers in the aftermath of his gambling costs that are erased. The Brazilian midfielder was accused of the alleged violation of FA rule E5 in 2023.
He was accused of being booked by spot-fixing competitions. But he has since been proven innocently after a long -term investigation.
During the process, the former Lyon – midfielder was connected to a relocation of the London Stadium – Brazilian side Flamengo who emerged as potential vooragers for Paqueta. When asked about the future of the 27-year-old, Potter did not completely rehabilitate, but believes that the midfielder is committed to West Ham.
He said: “You never know for sure because something can happen to someone in the window. But the news is incredibly positive. If it had gone the other way, there would have been a completely different line of questions.
“Lucas is happy and dedicated. He is an important person in dressing room and in the club and we love him. We just want to help him enjoy his football.
“You can imagine that you have to fight for him on a personal level, fighting those allegations was an incredible challenge for him. It has been a really difficult period in his life and career. It is an honor to him and his family and everyone who supported him that he has come through.”
Paqueta has issued a statement in the aftermath of the decision of the FA. He wrote: “Since the first day of this study, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.
“I can't say anything anymore at the moment, but I would like to express how grateful I am for God and how enthusiastic I am to return to playing with a smile on my face. To my wife who never let go of West Ham United, against the fans who have always welcomed me, and to my family, friends and all that I have fored.”
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Paqueta was signed from the French side Lyon in 2022 for a fee of approximately £ 51 million. Since then he has made 120 performances for the London outfit and scored 18 goals, while he also helped the Hammers to win the Europa Conference League in 2023.
He has left for two years on his contract with West Ham with the option for another year. Paqueta was strongly connected to a large move to Manchester City in 2023, but saw a movement suspended.